Chairman of Progressives United (PU), Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) says that under a PU government in to Virgin Islands (VI) the group will aggressively peruse agriculture as a means of lowering import bills and creating new revenue stream for the territory, which is badly needed at this time. Photo: Facebook

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Chairman of Progressives United (PU), Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) says that under a PU government in to Virgin Islands (VI) the group will aggressively peruse agriculture as a means of lowering import bills and creating new revenue streams for the territory, which is badly needed at this time.

Hon Fraser in pointing out his agriculture strategy, further alluded to the fishing industry as another means to boost the economy and according to him, create new industries that can vastly reduce the cost of living gap between the sister islands.

Greenhouse Technology

“Progressives United remains determined to establish agriculture in the Virgin Islands despite being at a high tech 21st century level, we will introduce greenhouse technology for the producing of salad, fruits and vegetables that is adequate to eliminate importation. This will save the BVI millions in imports,” Hon Fraser said in a video entitled ‘Progressives United Message, Count Down to Elections 2019,’ release via social media and WhatsApp.

According to Mr Fraser, the strategy will not materialise on the main island of Tortola, rather, in Anegada where economies of scales could further benefit the island.

“This operation will take place in Anegada, primarily to capitalise on the transportation it will create between the two islands, while at the same time significantly improving commerce and creating jobs. If you can imagine… the same barge that brings down fruits and vegetables will be taking back badly needed building materials at a far more economical rate,” he implored.

Fishing & Export

The PU chairman says the goal is not only to focus on agriculture, but the fishing sector will reduce the cost of living gap between Tortola and Anegada by not only providing food, but also economic benefits to the people.

“Fishing is yet to be advanced to a point where its yield is noticed, the BVI being a contracting party to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT), gives us a quarter in the fish stock under the control of ICCAT,” he revealed.

“The BVI has the option to either commence fishing to use up this quarter or leverage it… neither of which has been done since its membership eighteen years ago,” he said in revealing that it is a wasted opportunity.

According to Hon Fraser, “This we [PU] see as a no brainier, especially when one stops to think about the lucrative industry, it is common knowledge that a single Blue-fin Tuna can grow up to 1000 pounds and fetch up to $55 a pound.”

I just don't understand, why we are so forgetful? The VIP government was here for 40year straight in office. They did nothing for the BVI otherthan sell all the small islands and all the prime sea front property in virgin Gorda. The road in Virgin Gorda was built by the VIP, hospital etc. What has the VIP have to show for the 40 years?
I just don't understand why Vino is supporting the VIP. Where there is no vision, memory is lost and the people perish.

Tell ur good friend Kedric that.He gave all away to his rich white friends.Now what nothing for us to earn as.a natural resource.VG fishermen hurting Kedric give them water rights we cant dive conch welk shellfish,but the can feed sharks tons of raw meat come n man this shit sucks.

Even me view what Picko and Branson did as wrong, but after looking at the long term goal it was important what they did. It could have been worded or explain better. It’s not about stopping fisherman from catching sharks but more preserving we so can aways have fish around. Without sharks the fish we eat won’t stick around. You guys should google now and again or watch shark week. People are always fussy with what they don’t know or understand.

The VIP for the most part built the country we all knew and loved the NDP destroyed it simple as that. They did start well but then sell out to white men in suits and now we need to save the country from them. And Kedrick is not good for the territory as minister of natural resources & labour for the same reason he too sell out. So now let's do what we have to do and get rid of them all & save our country from this slippery slope the NDP1&2 have put us on.

It baffles me what Hon. Fraser saying sometimes. When one considers that he served as a Cabinet Minister and did not see the need for the revitalization of agriculture. What will he do now that he is not in a position. I would guessed that he should prepare his farewell speech since he may not be re-elected. Poor fellow.

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